Etiquette
To preserve the traditions of the game of golf, we should practice good golf etiquette before, during and after our round of golf. Your behavior will have an effect on everyone around you. Click on the USGA Etiquette 101 link at left for some basic golf etiquette guidelines.
Slow play affects everyone playing behind you. A conscious effort to play your round at a good pace will make the game of golf more enjoyable for everyone.
General Guidelines
- Put an identification mark on your ball. If you cannot identify it as yours, it’s lost. If your ball becomes unfit for play during play of a hole, you may replace it, without penalty, while playing the hole or between holes.
- Count your clubs. No more than 14. (Rule 4-4)
Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred: maximum penalty per round: 4 strokes. - Don’t ask for advice from anyone. Two strokes.
- During a hole you may practice swing but not play a practice stroke. Between holes you may practice chip or putt on or near the putting green of the last hole played or the tee of the next hole but not from a hazard. Two strokes.
- Play without delay. Two strokes – Repeated offense: disqualification.
- When taking a drop for relief or for a penalty, the general rule is that you get 2 club lengths for penalty drops, and 1 club length for relief drops where there is no penalty (ie relief from cart paths).
Penalties at a Glance
- Out of Bounds and Lost Ball: Stroke & Distance (Rule 27)
- Unplayable Lie: One Stroke (Rule 28). 3 Options for drop.
- Grounding club in sand or hazard: 2 Strokes (Rule 13-4)
- Ball in Water Hazard: One Stroke (Rule 26)
- Ball striking competitor’s ball at rest while putting on green: Two Strokes (Rule 19-5)
- Ball striking flagstick or attendant from any place on the green: Two Strokes (Rule 17-3)
- Striking the ball more than once: Count stroke plus add a penalty stroke (2 strokes in all) (Rule 14-4)